If It’s So Easy, Why Aren’t You Doing It?

Let’s begin there.

Because it’s a question I’ve been thinking about a lot lately.

We’re living in a time where creative tools are faster, smarter, and more accessible than ever before. But with that has come a dangerous assumption that creativity itself has become effortless. That's because the software exists, the skill is irrelevant. That anyone can do what artists do, because now there’s tech to “do it for you.”

But if it really were that easy—why aren’t you doing it?

The truth is: having access to tools is not the same as having the vision to use them.

And that’s where photo artistry lives—in the in-between. In the decisions, the failures, the instincts, the years of training your eye. It’s knowing what to keep, what to let go of, and how to pull it all together into something that feels.

Behind the scenes of a finished piece. Still think it's just a drag-and-drop?

The Process You Don’t See

Photo artistry is often misunderstood because the final image hides the layers of thought and technique behind it. So here’s what really goes on:

1. Image Generation Isn’t Instant

Yes, I use MidJourney and other AI tools to generate source elements—but getting the right image takes planning and refinement. You need to understand composition, lighting, tone, and texture. You need to prompt with vision, not guesswork. This stage alone can take hours or days.

2. Removing Backgrounds Is a Skill

It’s not a one-click fix. Not if you care about quality. Every edge matters—hair, soft focus, shadows, blended lighting. I spend ages refining masks, cleaning edges, and shaping layers so they integrate seamlessly later on.

3. Compositing Is Where the Real Work Happens

This is the heart of photo artistry. Bringing different elements into one believable space. Matching light sources. Creating depth. Building atmosphere. Getting the viewer to feel something without seeing the seams. It’s where the technical meets the emotional—and it’s the most demanding part of all.

And sometimes, none of that can even begin because I’m still hunting for images. Like today—I spent the entire day trying to source the right elements for a single series. Not composing. Just prepping. Just searching. That’s the reality behind the scenes.

“How Long Did That Take You?”

The eternal question.

The answer?

About 12 years—and a few restarts.

Because while a single piece might take hours, or days, or weeks—the ability to make that piece was built over more than a decade of showing up. Failing. Learning. Trying again.

I’ve been on an artistic journey for 12 years. But I’ve only been working as a digital artist for the past 4 or so.

And let me tell you—starting over isn’t easy. I had to relearn everything. New tools. New ways of seeing. A whole new visual language. I had to set aside what I thought I was good at and start again, from zero.

Am I a master now? No.

And I never will be—because this isn’t something you master. It’s a journey. And it never ends.

I’m constantly evolving. Constantly refining.

And most importantly—I’m still learning. Always.

It’s taken 12 years to feel confident in my work, and even now, I still have doubts.

But that’s part of the process. Ask any artist, in any medium. Doubt isn’t weakness—it’s fuel.

So What Does Matter?

When all’s said and done, it’s not really about the tool. It’s not about Photoshop or AI or what kind of brush I used.

What matters is this:

Does the artwork move you?

Do you want to live with it?

If the answer is yes—then maybe the method doesn’t matter at all.

Because art isn’t about how it was made.

It’s about what it makes you feel.

But don’t confuse emotional impact with technical ease.

Even the simplest-looking image often carries the weight of a thousand tiny, invisible decisions.

The Journey Is the Art

Photo artistry isn’t quick. And it’s definitely not easy.

But it is meaningful. It’s layered. It’s alive.

You’re not just seeing a final image.

You’re seeing everything it took to get here:

The years of learning. The long days. The hard restarts. The vision. The doubt. The breakthroughs.

If one of my pieces makes you stop—even for a moment—and feel something…

Then I’ve done what I came to do.

Because this isn’t about shortcuts.

This is about the long way around.

Last words......

If this resonated with you, or helped you understand a little more about what I do, I’d love to hear it—drop a like, leave a rating, or better yet, share a comment.

And in the end, as I always say:

You got this!!